Science

The science program at Grandview High School is designed to develop scientifically literate students. Students are taught to gather and use scientific information to understand the world, expand thinking, and solve problems. They will learn to use the basic tools of scientific inquiry -- including scientific instruments -- mathematics, technology, references, and reasoning. Our science program helps students apply the process of scientific inquiry to understand and study the natural world.

The science program at Grandview is divided into three sequences, each differing in the level of rigor. All sequences address the Colorado Academic Content Standards within the first two years. Students interested in science as a career option should consider taking courses in the Advanced Placement sequence that allows them to take 2 or 3 AP science classes. Due to the importance of mathematics in describing and measuring scientific events, placement in mathematics courses is important when deciding appropriate science placement. The flow chart above is only an overview. Movement to a more rigorous sequence in future years is possible once the appropriate science and mathematical knowledge and skills have been obtained. Please refer to the "science course descriptions" to obtain more details regarding math requirements, specific timing of courses offered, and other pertinent guidelines.

Grandview students are required to successfully complete three years of science. However, we encourage all our students to take four years of science to broaden their scientific knowledge to help them prepare for higher education experiences. In addition, many colleges expect students to complete four years of science in high school.

Science Pathway

Physical Science

Prerequisites: Teacher approval

Grade level: 9-10

Credit: 1

The laboratory experience is the foundation for this introductory physical science course. Students will explore physical science topics while developing the skills necessary to become proficient in science. This course will emphasize math and reading skills. The scientific method will be emphasized along with data analysis and critical thinking skills.

Biology

Prerequisites: Teacher approval

Grade level: 10-11

Credit: 1

The laboratory experience is the foundation for this introductory life science course. Students will explore topics such as ecology, chemistry of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution, classification, and human systems. The scientific method will be emphasized along with data analysis and critical thinking skills.

Earth Science

Prerequisites: Completion of CP Physical Science or Physical Science and CP Biology or Biology; Below CP Algebra 2

Grade level: 11-12

Credit: 1

This course introduces the major principles of Earth Science. The course will include the study of astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography. The content, reading, and pacing levels of this course are accessible to all students and encourage the development of scientific literacy.

CP Science Pathway

CP Physical Science

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CP Algebra 1 or CP Geometry

Grade level: 9-10

Credit: 1

CP Physical Science is a STEM-oriented course involving principles and concepts concerning the physical world. Content areas explored include Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics. This course emphasizes the study and proper use of fundamental science tools including the metric system, graphing techniques, and appropriate applied technologies.

CP Biology

Prerequisites: Completion of CP Physical Science

Grade level: 10-11

Credit: 1

In this class, students will explore relationships between structure and function in organisms and the interaction of cells and organisms with each other and their environments. Units of study will include ecology, chemistry of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution, classification, and human systems. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented.

CP Chemistry

Prerequisites (for Juniors): Completion of CP Physical Science, CP Biology and concurrent enrollment/completion of CP Algebra 2, and a C or higher in CP Geometry

Prerequisites (for Sophomores): B or higher in Honors Biology and CP Algebra 1, concurrent enrollment in CP Geometry with Grandview teacher recommendation.

Grade level: 10-12

Credit: 1

This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about the relationships between the structure and properties of matter and the interaction of mass and energy. Units of study include matter and its changes, atomic structure, chemical composition, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodicity, bonding, molar geometry, and thermochemistry. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in this course.

CP Physics and Anatomy & Physiology Honors (year-long)

CP Physics
Anatomy & Physiology Honors

CP Physics

Prerequisites: Successful completion of CP Biology; concurrent enrollment/completion of College Algebra/College Trig, or concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra 2, or CP Algebra 2 with GHS teacher approval

Grade level: 11-12

Credit: 1

This course helps students understand the physical laws of our world. Units of study include forces, motion, energy, light, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory work serves to promote understanding and to illustrate the experimental nature of physics.

Anatomy & Physiology Honors

Prerequisites: Completion of CP Biology, CP Chemistry, and teacher approval

Grade level: 11-12

Credit: 1

Anatomy and Physiology is designed for students with an interest in the human body and/or medical sciences. This course is a comprehensive, introductory exploration to the subjects of human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. The course begins with an overview of anatomical terminology, cells and tissues, as well as a review of the biochemistry necessary to understand how cells and parts of the human body function. Students will study multiple organ systems in great depth with an emphasis on the structure/function relationship among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining a stable internal environment. Instruction in this class involves a mixture of lecture, microscopic study, physiological experiments, computer simulations and the dissection of preserved specimens.

9th and 10th Grade Honors Sciences

These two courses can be taken in 9th or 10th grade in either order. The Honors Chemistry course does have a math requirement of Honors Geometry or higher.

Honors Biology

Prerequisites: B or higher in previous science and math classes; should have a strong work ethic

Grade level: 9-10

Credit: 1

In this class, students will explore relationships between structure and function in organisms and the interaction of cells and organisms with each other and their environments. Units of study will include chemistry of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented with a greater focus on Scientific thinking & inquiry. This course covers the same topics as the Biology and CP Biology programs.

Honors Chemistry

Prerequisites (for Freshman): Previous science teacher recommendation and concurrent enrollment in/or completion of Honors Geometry

Prerequisites (for Sophomores): Completion of Honors Biology with a C or higher and concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra 2; or with GHS teacher and department coordinator approval

This course is designed for students with high mathematical ability intending to pursue Advanced Placement biology, chemistry and physics classes in high school. Chemistry concepts will be covered at an accelerated pace with heavy emphasis on laboratory work, mathematical applications, and problem solving. In addition, students’ skills in communicating information clearly through the written word, mathematical equations and graphs will be stressed. Students will develop skills in using both computers and calculators to aid in collecting and organizing data. Daily preparation is required outside of class.

AP Science Courses